Production years
1970s-1980s; verify by serial number
John Deere grain drill ยท 1970s-1980s
John Deere 8000 Grain Drill
The John Deere 8000 is an older conventional grain drill in the Deere 8000-series family, commonly sold in roughly 13-foot widths. It is best regarded as a practical prepared-seedbed drill rather than a no-till unit.
Working width
About 13 ft in common configurations
Row spacing
Commonly 7 to 10 in.; confirm exact drill
Number of openers/rows
Varies with row spacing; commonly about 16-21
John Deere 8000 specifications
| Production years | 1970s-1980s; verify by serial number |
|---|---|
| Drill type | Conventional grain drill |
| Working width | About 13 ft in common configurations |
| Row spacing | Commonly 7 to 10 in.; confirm exact drill |
| Number of openers/rows | Varies with row spacing; commonly about 16-21 |
| Opener type | Disc opener; single- or double-disc configuration varies |
| Seed and fertilizer boxes | Grain box; fertilizer and grass-seed equipment varied by specification |
| Weight (approximate) | About 2,500-3,000 lb; confirm with the operator manual for the exact configuration |
What the 8000 is used for
The 8000 was designed for seeding wheat, oats, barley, rye, and forage mixtures after conventional tillage. Its best use is on a reasonably clean, worked seedbed where residue does not limit opener penetration or seed placement.
Owners use surviving units for smaller grain and pasture jobs because they are mechanically direct and ground driven. Their value today is condition dependent, particularly the condition of the feed system and openers.
Why the John Deere 8000 stands out
The 8000's appeal is its simple traditional drill layout and familiar Deere parts ecosystem. It can be a useful low-cost grain drill when complete and adjusted correctly, but it lacks the residue-handling and down-pressure capability of later no-till designs.
Buying a used John Deere 8000
Identify the drill's exact row spacing, opener style, and box options before evaluating it. Look for seized or thin discs, loose bearings, worn boots and tubes, deteriorated press wheels, worn wheel-drive tires, stretched chains, hooked sprockets, damaged seed cups, and rust-through in the grain or fertilizer box.
John Deere 8000 frequently asked questions
Is the John Deere 8000 a no-till drill?
No. It is an older conventional grain drill intended mainly for prepared seedbeds.
How wide is an 8000 grain drill?
Approximately 13 feet is common, but width and row count vary with configuration.
What should be checked first on a used 8000?
Start with opener wear, box condition, feed cups, and the wheel-driven chains and sprockets.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used grain drills vary by condition, use, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.